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Background: Children affected by war and political violence deploy agentic competencies to cope with trauma symptoms and psychological difficulties. However, it does not always act as a protective factor to help them adjust to potentially traumatic events. Aims: We expected to explore the association between agency, trauma symptoms and psychological difficulties and the mediating role of hope and life satisfaction in a group of child victims of military violence in Palestine. Methods: 965 children aged 8 to 14 were assessed with self-reported measures, War Child Agency Assessment Scale, Children Revised Impact of events scale, Strengths and difficulties scale, Child Hope Scale and Brief Multidimensional Students Life Satisfaction Scale. Structural Equation Modelling was performed having Agency as a predictor, trauma symptoms, psychological difficulties as an outcome variable and life satisfaction and hope as a mediator. Results: We found a direct and positive effect of agency on trauma symptoms, psychological difficulties, and life satisfaction and hope on the two dependent variables. Life satisfaction and hope mediated the association between agency and the outcome variables. Conclusion: Agency can help defend children from trauma and psychological maladaptation when it acts on life satisfaction and hope. At the same time, it might worsen psychological dysfunctions when working directly on trauma symptoms and difficulties. Clinical interventions must help children to foster agentic resources in activating hope and life satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to adversity or maltreatment is known to correlate with high-risk behaviors that can increase the risk of contact with the criminal justice system; however, few studies have focused on the role of trauma symptoms and other behaviors that may develop in response to exposure to adverse life events. We also know far less about the role of these experiences in young men compared to young women who have been in contact with the youth justice system. In this study, we examine the associations between different patterns of trauma symptomatology and adverse childhood experienced (ACEs), substance use, behavioral difficulties, and re-offending in a sample of 141 young men under the supervision of a Youth Justice (YJ) agency in Australia. Trauma symptoms were reported by over ninety percent of participants, with Latent Class Analysis used to identify four subgroups of young men based on their clustering of trauma symptomatology: internalizing, externalizing, high, and low trauma symptoms groups. The characteristics of young men across these groups were, however, remarkably similar. Over four-fifths scored in the clinical range for substance use and externalizing behavior problems, while recidivism was reported in over three-quarters of young men across all groups. These findings have implications for the development of trauma-informed responses by specialist adolescent mental health services as well as for adult forensic services that seek to understand the developmental origins of psychopathology and offending behavior. There appears to be a strong rationale for more compassionate and trauma-informed justice system practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School-age children are at high risk of experiencing traumatic and stressful events that can negatively impact their academic, emotional, and behavior performance. Students that have been exposed to a traumatic and adverse experience present with high rates of dropout, low academic performance, conduct problems, aggression, depression, and anxiety. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between self-reported trauma symptoms of students identified with behavioral concerns using teacher reported screening data and whether hurricane exposure moderates the relationship. Participants included 75 students from elementary, middle, and high school in a large school district in the Southeastern United States. Students completed a self-rating of their trauma symptoms and hurricane exposure while their teachers completed a universal screening of internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Results from this study indicated that the type of hurricane exposure does not significantly moderate the relationship between trauma symptoms and students' internalizing and externalizing behaviors. While linear regression showed that students who reported higher levels post traumatic symptoms have higher ratings of internalizing behaviors, results also indicated that there was no significant relationship between trauma symptoms and externalizing behaviors. Result suggest that trauma-informed strategies should be incorporated into the process of universal screening of behavior within the school setting to ensure that students at-risk for internalizing mental health concerns receive early intervention services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study examined predictors of burnout among preschool teachers working in the war-torn region of Ukraine. • Trauma symptoms were found to have a positive association with burnout symptoms among preschool teachers. • Resilience and social support were identified as protective factors, negatively predicting burnout symptoms among preschool teachers. • Work experience of preschool teachers was positively linked to certain burnout symptoms. • The study revealed indirect effects of war-related stressors, preschool location, resilience, social support, and the age of preschool teachers on burnout symptoms. Research on predictors of burnout among preschool teachers is a crucial topic, particularly in the context of those working in warzones. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of burnout among 562 preschool teachers employed in 183 preschools located in the war-torn region of Ukraine. The study was conducted as an online survey and key constructs were captured by using well established measures. Path analyses were conducted to investigate the predictors of preschool teacher burnout. The results showed that trauma symptoms and work experience positively predicted burnout, whereas resilience and social support had a negative association with burnout. Additionally, exploratory analyses revealed indirect effects of preschool location, war-related stressors, resilience, social support, and age on burnout. These findings highlight the need for targeted support services for preschool teachers in Ukraine's warzone to enhance available resources and alleviate burnout symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the utility of using an omnibus measure of child functioning, the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), to screen for symptoms of PTSD. Although measures to assess trauma symptoms exist, they are often not linguistically and culturally valid for many school-age populations. Data from parents of Syrian refugee youth (ages 10-18 years, M = 13.54, SD = 2.27, n = 70) who recently resettled in the U.S. were analyzed, as their refugee status implies they likely have experienced traumatic events during the Syrian War. A mixed-method design was employed, comparing qualitative data from parent focus groups to quantitative responses on the CBCL. Results provide preliminary support for use of CBCL items as a culturally-responsive screening tool for screening symptoms of PTSD in school-aged children, though it should not replace formalized assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional quantitative study investigated the sleep hygiene and disturbances of adolescent female survivors of domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) compared to an online sample of community-dwelling adolescent females. Community-dwelling adolescent females (aged 13–17 years, n = 61) and survivors of DMST housed in residental care (aged 12–17 years, n = 19) completed the Children's Report of Sleep Patterns (adolescent version). Descriptive statistics on sleep health in both samples were computed and compared using chi-square and t-tests. Among the survivors of DMST, the majority reported insufficient sleep duration, okay-to-poor sleep quality, waking thirsty, and frequent nightmares. Compared with community-dwelling adolescents, survivors of DMST had more symptoms of insomnia, sleepiness, nightmares, and waking thirsty (p <.05). Sleep disturbances among adolescent female survivors of DMST may be more prevalent than in community-dwelling adolescent females. Further empirical research on appropriate assessment and trauma-informed treatment of sleep in this population is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many English language tutors have little training in working with traumatised students, especially regarding second language acquisition. A literature review was undertaken on work carried out to identify issues surrounding memory and retention in relation to second language acquisition in traumatised adult refugees, as well as the link between the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and memory and retention. The article looks at how a refugee is defined, how trauma can develop at various stages in the journey, the stress on reaching the host country and issues relating to interrupted childhood experiences in later life. How these stresses and anxieties manifest within a classroom is considered and how teachers and tutors can recognise symptoms for what they are, so as to avoid misinterpreting behaviours. Suggestions are made as to how to optimise learning for traumatised adults within adult learning settings both by creating a safe physical environment and through pedagogical choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to understand the levels of trauma symptoms and the mediating role of achievement motivation, along with emotional creativity, among university students. Many students from various faculties exhibit diverse levels of academic motivation due to their program structures. However, the traumatic experiences faced by students and the subsequent post-traumatic symptoms can lead to various psychosocial and emotional consequences, potentially impacting their emotional creativity and achievement motivation. The present study employed a quantitative approach, utilizing measures to assess emotional creativity, achievement motivation, and trauma symptoms within the sample. The sample under investigation comprised 337 undergraduates from nine different faculties at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. The study's results indicated a significant correlation between emotional creativity and achievement motivation. While emotional novelty did not display a significant correlation with achievement motivation, emotional effectiveness and authenticity did show such a correlation. Notably, hyperarousal, as a trauma symptom, exhibited a negative correlation with achievement motivation. The study identified both direct and indirect impacts of emotional creativity on achievement motivation. The findings from the regression analysis suggested that the impact of emotional creativity on achievement motivation falls between higher and lower levels. Furthermore, the study concluded that trauma symptoms mediate the relationship between emotional creativity and achievement motivation among undergraduates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forensic social work in South Africa is challenging, increasing the likelihood of secondary traumatic stress among its practitioners. Proactive coping strategies are necessary to reduce the impact of secondary traumatic stress on forensic social workers. The aim of this study was to describe the association between the frequency of different coping strategies and the frequency of secondary traumatic stress symptoms in forensic social workers. The study applied a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional descriptive design. An all-inclusive willing participation sampling method was used, focusing on all qualified forensic social workers who graduated from a South African university. The study found that avoidant and emotion-focused coping strategies were linked to an increase in secondary traumatic stress symptoms. Employers and therapists can support forensic social workers by offering techniques that encourage the use of problem-focused coping strategies, aiming to alleviate symptoms of perceived secondary traumatic stress.

The aim of this study was to understand the levels of trauma symptoms and the mediating role of achievement motivation, along with emotional creativity, among university students. Many students from various faculties exhibit diverse levels of academic motivation due to their program structures. However, the traumatic experiences faced by students and the subsequent post-traumatic symptoms can lead to various psychosocial and emotional consequences, potentially impacting their emotional creativity and achievement motivation. The present study employed a quantitative approach, utilizing measures to assess emotional creativity, achievement motivation, and trauma symptoms within the sample. The sample under investigation comprised 337 undergraduates from nine different faculties at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. The study’s results indicated a significant correlation between emotional creativity and achievement motivation. While emotional novelty did not display a significant correlation with achievement motivation, emotional effectiveness and authenticity did show such a correlation. Notably, hyperarousal, as a trauma symptom, exhibited a negative correlation with achievement motivation. The study identified both direct and indirect impacts of emotional creativity on achievement motivation. The findings from the regression analysis suggested that the impact of emotional creativity on achievement motivation falls between higher and lower levels. Furthermore, the study concluded that trauma symptoms mediate the relationship between emotional creativity and achievement motivation among undergraduates.

Although community violence exposure is associated with trauma symptoms, the research on the demographic factors that might amplify this risk in university students is still emerging. Additional data focused on identifying populations most at-risk for trauma secondary to community violence can support the development of outreach and intervention efforts more precisely. This study examines the relationship between community violence victimization and trauma symptoms and determines whether gender, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation moderates the relationship. The sample consisted of 499 undergraduate students who completed a demographic questionnaire, the Trauma Symptom Checklist-40, and the Survey of Exposure to Community Violence. At the bivariate level, gender, sexual orientation, and race were not associated with community violence victimization. Identifying as a woman and community violence victimization were positively related to trauma symptoms, while identifying as LGBTQA was negatively associated with trauma symptoms. Race was not associated with trauma symptoms. Moderation analyses indicated that identifying as a woman and identifying as LGBTQA strengthened the relationship between community violence victimization and trauma symptoms, while racial identity was not a significant moderator. We discuss implications, including the factors that may increase trauma symptom development for females and LGTBTQA survivors of community violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the higher rates of sexual violence experienced by gender and sexual minority students in university contexts requires an understanding of responses to disclosures of sexual violence. Using data from a large-scale study of sexual violence in university contexts, the current study examined (1) whether gender and sexual minority status was associated with responses to sexual violence disclosure and (2) how disclosure responses were associated with trauma symptoms among these students. Linear regression indicated that university students' (n = 1,464) reports of responses to disclosures of sexual violence did not differ across gender or sexual minority status. Focusing on gender and sexual minority participants (n = 327), linear regression linked turning against the victim and positive responses to higher levels of trauma symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coercive control is defined as the systematic use of demands, threats, and surveillance behaviors to gain control over an individual. Content validity appears to be an issue for existing measures of coercive control tactics, as they do not assess all of these behaviors. This study investigated the validity and reliability of the Demand, Threat, Surveillance, and Response to Demands subscales of the Coercion in Intimate Partner Relationships (CIPR) scale. Participants (N = 541) completed online measures of coercive control, physical intimate partner violence, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptomatology. Confirmatory factor analyses, linear regressions, and correlational analyses investigated the construct (i.e., concurrent, convergent, and discriminant) validity of the CIPR subscales. Internal consistency of the subscales and test–retest reliability were also examined. Results provided support for the validity and reliability of the CIPR. Implications and usage of the CIPR in research and practice are discussed. We report how we determined our sample size, all data exclusions, all manipulations, and all measures in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While there has been great deal of research conducted on the effects of child sexual abuse (CSA) on trauma symptoms in children and adults, there is less knowledge on the effects on trauma symptoms in female older adult CSA survivors. The aim of this study was to investigate current symptoms of trauma in adult female survivors of child sexual abuse across each successive decade, beginning with eighteen year olds. This retrospective, anonymous online study gathered a sample of 223 adult female survivors of CSA (38 of whom were aged 50–59 (17%), and 20 of whom were 60+ years of age (9%)), and surveyed their trauma history and their current symptomology. In our sample, the survivors with the most severe trauma symptoms were between 18 and 29 years old. Each subsequent decade reported fewer trauma symptoms, with respondents in the 60+ age group reporting the lowest trauma symptom severity. While a cross-sectional study does not allow us to evaluate individuals' experiences over time, these results suggest that the negative impacts of CSA may abate over the life course. Future research should consider these questions longitudinally to explore whether these results are related to survivorship (those with worse outcomes dying younger) and whether these effects endure as female older adults experience physical and mental challenges in later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study used a person-oriented approach to investigate (a) potential distinctive groups of women survivors of IPV based on their posttraumatic growth (PTG), centrality of event, resilience, and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) patterns, and (b) examine the role of sociodemographic (age, education, work status) and violence related (physical and emotional violence, time since last violence episode, psychological help) factors in distinguishing these groups. The study sample consisted of 421 women survivors of IPV, and latent profile analysis revealed four profiles: "negative impact" (11% of the sample), "positive growth" (46%), "low impact" (18%), and "distressed growth" (25%). Women age, education, received psychological help, frequency of physical and emotional violence, and time since last violence incident significantly distinguished some of the indicated profiles from each other. Findings of this study contribute to the existing literature by identifying different responses to IPV and investigating some of the theoretical assumptions that had not been comprehensively analyzed in the IPV literature. Limitations of the study and implications for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescents who have been sexually abused commonly experience trauma symptoms, and many spend considerable time waiting for treatment., Objective: This study examines the extent to which adolescent perceptions of divine spiritual support, divine spiritual struggles, and self-blame collected during a screening assessment predict trauma symptoms at the beginning of treatment., Participants and Setting: Participants were 224 adolescents (92.9 % female, Mean age = 13.46 years; 53.6 % identified as Hispanic/Latino/a and 24.1 % Black/African American). All obtained services at a Children's Advocacy Center in the southern United States., Methods: Adolescents reported on trauma symptoms, divine spiritual support, divine spiritual struggles, and self-blame appraisals at a screening assessment (T1). Trauma symptoms were also reported a second time when beginning treatment (T2)., Results: The mean level of trauma symptoms declined over time for the total sample, t(223) = 9.37, p < .001, d = 0.63. Greater divine spiritual struggles (β = 0.10, t[219] = 1.98, p = .049, sr 2  = 0.02) and self-blame for the abuse (β = 0.11, t[219] = 2.03, p = .044, sr 2  = 0.02) at the screening assessment were associated with higher levels of trauma symptoms at the beginning of treatment, controlling for sex, trauma symptoms and age at the screening assessment., Conclusions: Assessing adolescents' divine spiritual struggles and self-blame for sexual abuse may be important in triage and treatment planning for youth who have experienced sexual abuse., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

This exploratory study assessed the association between agency and life satisfaction, as well as the potential for life satisfaction, in its turn, to alleviate trauma symptoms and reduce negative emotion in a group of children exposed to war and military violence in Palestine. Two hundred and fifty Palestinian children, who had been recruited at primary schools in urban and rural areas, and refugee camps, completed the Multilevel Student's Life Satisfaction Scale, Children's Hope Scale (CHS), Children's Impact of Event Scale (CRIES) and Positive and Negative Affect Scales. We performed structural equation modelling to evaluate the effects of agency on negative emotions and trauma symptoms via life satisfaction. The participants appeared to play an agentic role in mobilizing their own life satisfaction, and the more satisfied they were with their lives, the less they suffered from trauma symptoms. In terms of clinical practice, we advocate more active and participatory approaches to fostering children's agency, a complex construct in need of further investigation via mixed-method quanti-qualitative and ethnographic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This multi-level meta-analysis tested if evidence-based trauma treatment was effective in reducing trauma symptoms and externalizing behavior problems in adolescents. Based on eight independent samples and 75 effect sizes, results indicated that Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) had a large and significant overall effect (d = 0.909) on reducing trauma symptoms and externalizing behavior problems. Trauma treatment significantly decreased trauma symptoms (large effect) and externalizing behavior problems (medium effect). Age and type of control group moderated treatment effects. Treatment was more effective in older adolescents. Trauma treatment for adolescents with externalizing behavior problems had a larger effect compared to no treatment, but not compared to treatment as usual. It seems important to provide a broad treatment offer for adolescents with severe externalizing behavior problems, in which, besides trauma treatment, attention is paid to reducing relevant individual risk factors for behavior problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined sociodemographic and psychosocial risk factors that moderate the (poly) substance use and dating violence victimization and perpetration relationship among emerging adults. Using an ethnically diverse sample (N = 698), we used latent class analyses to identify mutually exclusive groups based on monthly and past-year substance use. We then examined these groups as they relate to dating violence victimization and perpetration and the moderating effect of various risk factors. Five classes were identified based on substance use patterns: (a) Regular Alcohol use, (b) Polysubstance use, (c) Heavy Alcohol and Marijuana use, (d) Mild Alcohol use, and (e) Occasional Alcohol and Marijuana use classes. Participants in the Polysubstance use class were the most likely to perpetrate dating violence followed by Heavy Alcohol and Marijuana use, Occasional Alcohol and Marijuana use, Regular Alcohol, and Mild Alcohol use classes. Similarly, participants in the Polysubstance use class were the most likely to be victims of dating violence followed by Occasional Alcohol and Marijuana, Heavy Alcohol and Marijuana, Regular Alcohol, and Mild Alcohol use classes. Depending on substance use class, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, history of dating violence, and trauma symptoms differentially influenced dating violence perpetration and victimization at 1-year follow-up. Our findings support the need to comprehensively address dating violence among emerging adults. Intimate partner violence prevention and intervention programs may benefit from targeting emerging adults who misuse substances and incorporating substance use interventions into dating violence prevention efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youth in residential programs have high rates of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and suicidality. Although trauma symptoms and suicidality can both be related to peer relationship problems, there is little research on how social skills training on peer relations could help these youth. This study examined if progress made on peer relations training and sex moderated the association between trauma symptoms at intake and suicide ideation incidents while in the program. The sample included archival data on youth placed in a large residential program in the Midwest (N = 1118) ages 12–19 years old (M = 15.97 years, SD = 1.15), of which 62.2% were boys. Results indicated both peer relations training (b = −0.07, SE = 0.02, p = 0.001) and sex (b = −0.04, SE = 0.02, p = 0.032) moderated the relationship between trauma symptoms at intake and suicide ideation incidents in care. The benefits of peer relations training for youth presenting with trauma symptoms and suicide ideations are discussed along with recommendations for further research. Highlights: Peer relations training moderated the association between trauma symptoms at intake and suicide ideation incidents in the program with a stronger relationship for youth who did not receive the training. Sex moderated the association between suicide risk at intake and suicide ideation incidents in the program with a stronger relationship for girls. Matching specific social skills to individualized youth needs should be considered to improve services for youth in residential programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the different types of resistant behavioural responses to unanswerable questions, their respective individual contribution to the overall variance in resistance efficacy, and their differential protective effect on repeated questioning, interrogative pressure, and delayed suggestibility. The participants were 360 children aged between 7 and 17 years, 180 of whom were suspected victims of sexual abuse and 180 matched peers for age, sex and IQ. All children completed the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale 2. Delayed suggestibility was measured after a 1‐week delay. The findings show that 'don't know', 'direct explanation', and 'no' answers are unrelated response styles that have individual effects on resistance to misleading questions. 'Direct explanation' answers are most stable and robust and increase incrementally with age in children, whilst 'no' answers decline. The findings suggest that 'Don't know', 'direct explanation', and 'no' answers are driven by different cognitive and social processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to examine whether childhood traumatic experience, trauma symptoms, and family discussions about obesity are associated with adolescent eating behavior. In addition, the study examined gender differences. Participating in the study were 726 adolescents (369 – girls, 344 – boys, 13 – no specific gender) aged 11 to 16. They completed the following questionnaires: Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (Fink et al., 1995); Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (Briere, 1995); Eating Attitudes Test (Garner et al., 1982); Family Fat Talk Questionnaire (Macdonald et al., 2015). The results showed positive associations between perceived altered eating behaviors and emotional and sexual abuse, depressive and dissociative symptoms, personal and family talk about obesity. Personal conversations about obesity predicted 21% of the variation of the adolescent’s perception of altered eating behavior. The addition of emotional abuse and dissociative symptoms in the regression model increased the explained variance to 25%. Girls reported significantly higher ratings on the study variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2019, more than 25.9 million children under 18 were displaced due to unending political conflicts. Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) has a high level of empirical evidence to support its efficacy in processing trauma and behavioral problems in non-refugee children. Yet, little is known about its long-term effectiveness in refugee children. This study conducted a systematic review that assessed the evidence of the effectiveness of TF-CBT in reducing trauma symptoms among refugee children under 18 years of age. A systematic review was conducted from peer-reviewed literature databases (12 databases): PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (PQDT), Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PROSPERO, EBSCOHost, Campbell Collaboration Library of Systematic Reviews, Social Sciences Index, and grey literature sources published from 1990 to 2019. The search yielded 1650 articles, and 4 peer reviewed studies were identified that met inclusion criteria and yielded a sample size of 64 refugee children from 21 different countries. All 4 studies provided evidence that supported TF-CBT's effectiveness in decreasing trauma symptoms and sustainment during the follow-up assessment among refugee children participants. Despite TF-CBT effectiveness for trauma symptoms treatment, there is still limited evidence to suggest that TF-CBT is effective for all refugee children due to the pilot nature of the studies, and its underutilization in traumatized refugee children from different cultural backgrounds. Future studies should conduct more TF-CBT interventions with diverse refugee children to provide more empirical support for its effectiveness with that population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the relationship between children's exposure to IPV and EBD among children involved in the child welfare system for suspected maltreatment (both substantiated and unsubstantiated). It specifically examines how children's trauma symptoms, maternal depression, and maternal social support may impact the relationship between exposure to IPV and EBD. This study uses structural equation modeling with data from the second National Survey of Child and Adolescent Wellbeing to examine the relationship between exposure to IPV and EBD among 989 children (ages 8–17) involved in the child welfare system. Moderated mediation was employed to examine whether children's trauma symptoms mediate the relationship between IPV exposure and EBD and whether differences in maternal depression and social support impact such mediation effect. Child trauma symptoms and maternal social support were significantly related to EBD. The current study highlights the relationship between children's trauma symptoms and EBD among children in the child welfare system. The study also provides preliminary evidence for maternal social support as a protective factor for children developing EBD. Implications of this research include providing interventions as well as increasing maternal social support to potentially reduce the likelihood of children developing EBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiencing sexual violence is an important risk factor for trauma symptoms, and these symptoms significantly impair psychosocial functioning. Sexual and gender minority university students are more likely than their heterosexual and cisgender peers to experience sexual violence (e.g., sexual harassment, unwanted sexual contact, or sexual coercion) while attending university, but research on the consequences of these experiences is needed to inform service provision to these vulnerable populations. Using a large-scale study of university-based sexual violence in Quebec, the current study examined how gender and sexual minority status were associated with the severity of trauma symptoms among students who experienced sexual violence (N = 1,196). Findings indicated that compared with their cisgender peers, gender minority students experienced significantly higher levels of trauma symptoms as a result of sexual violence, controlling for the severity of sexual violence behaviors experienced and other variables. Among cisgender women, but not cisgender men, sexual minority identity was also associated with higher levels of trauma symptoms, controlling for severity of sexual violence behaviors experienced and other variables. Furthermore, gender of perpetrator and amount of sexual violence moderated the associations between sexual identity and trauma symptoms among cisgender women. These findings not only suggest that gender minority and some sexual minority university students are more likely to experience sexual violence, but that they are also more likely to experience negative psychological sequelae as a consequence of these experiences. Ultimately, these findings may suggest the need for services that are more supportive of the specific needs of gender and sexual minority students with regard to sexual violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this retrospective study of 244 adult survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA), their experiences of childhood polyvictimization were analyzed as to their cumulative effect on trauma symptoms, education, and income levels. The data were gathered by anonymously sampling adult survivors of CSA from websites that were specific to this population (such as online peer support groups). Their experiences of victimization were examined as to Cumulative Polyvictimization, Witnessing Traumas (such as witnessing intimate partner violence), and Experiencing Traumas (such as child physical abuse). The majority of the sample (87%) experienced polyvictimization in childhood (in combination with CSA), with the largest part of the sample (83%) experiencing emotional abuse by someone close to them, and the smallest part of the sample (22%) experiencing child physical abuse by someone with whom they were not close. The results of the linear regressions showed that both experiencing and witnessing trauma were significantly associated with trauma symptoms for CSA survivors. These results suggest that both types of victimization (experiencing and witnessing) need to be treated as direct traumas, and a more holistic approach toward survivors of CSA is needed toward assessment and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with abnormal hippocampal activity; however, the functional connectivity (FC) of the hippocampus with other brain regions in PTSD and its relations with symptoms warrants further attention. We investigated subregional hippocampal FC in PTSD during a resting state compared with a trauma-exposed control (TEC) group. Based on extant research, we targeted the FCs of the anterior and posterior hippocampal subregions with the amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and the posterior cingulate (PCC). Methods Resting-state functional magnetic resonance images were acquired from 11 individuals with PTSD and 13 trauma-exposed controls. Anterior and posterior hippocampal FC was compared between groups. Within the PTSD and TEC groups, subregional hippocampal FC was correlated with scores on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) at time of scan and 4 months post-scan. Results Those with PTSD had significantly greater FC compared with the TEC group between the left posterior hippocampus and the bilateral PCC (g’s > .96). Direct contrasts of the Fisher z-transformed coefficients indicated that the correlations between CAPS scores 4 months post scan and the FC between the left hippocampal head and the right PCC (z = − 2.07, p = .039) as well as the FC between the right hippocampal tail and the right mPFC (z = − 2.19, p = .029) were significantly greater in the PTSD group compared to the TEC group. Conclusions These results support between-group differences in posterior hippocampal FC and different relations with PTSD future symptoms, underscoring associations with the anterior and posterior hippocampus. These findings enrich our understanding of PTSD pathophysiology and provide support for future investigations of imaging biomarkers predictive of disease progression.

Using a sample of 107 clinical couples in which both had experienced childhood trauma, the study investigated if and to what extent each spouse's trauma symptoms and relationship satisfaction were contributed by their partner's trauma experience. The results show that symptoms in dysphoric mood and posttraumatic stress were contributed exclusively by the trauma experience of self, symptoms in sexual difficulties exclusively by partner trauma experiences, while symptoms in self-dysfunction were contributed by both. Childhood trauma experiences had only a limited contribution to relationship satisfaction. Gender differences in the dual-trauma context are highlighted. Clinical implications are discussed based on the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We investigated whether adolescents who had recently disclosed sexual abuse or family violence displayed more psychological trauma symptoms and physical health complaints than unaffected controls. We also investigated to what degree physical health complaints were associated with trauma symptoms in these abuse victims.Methods: Abuse, trauma symptoms and physical health complaints were assessed during face-to-face interviews with 40 sexual abuse victims and 35 family violence victims aged 10-18 years. They had all attended forensic interviews at the Barnehus in Oslo, a specialised Norwegian police unit where evidence is gathered in adolescent-friendly surroundings, from October 2016 to November 2018. Their symptoms were compared with 41 controls from the general population. Linear regression analyses investigated associations between trauma symptoms and physical health complaints.Results: Sexually abused adolescents displayed higher levels of post-traumatic stress reactions, depression, dissociation and physical health complaints than unaffected controls. Family violence victims displayed higher levels of post-traumatic stress reactions. Trauma symptoms were associated with physical health complaints, and these were most prominent in the adolescents with the highest burden of symptoms.Conclusion: Based on the high burden of symptoms revealed, clinical examinations of abused adolescents should include a systematic assessment of trauma symptoms and physical health complaints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is general absence of research about the relationship between trauma symptoms and immediate and delayed suggestibility in children who have been sexually abused. The participants were 134 children aged between 7 and 17 years with a history of reported sexual abuse. All children completed the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale (2), a non-verbal IQ test, and The University of California at Los Angeles Child/Adolescent Reaction Index for posttraumatic stress (UCLA-PTSD-RI-5). Delayed suggestibility was measured after a 1 week delay. A Hierarchical Regression showed that trauma symptoms accounted overall for 43.4% of the variance in delayed suggestibility after controlling for age, sex, IQ, and immediate recall (a large effect size). There was a small shared variance between trauma and immediate suggestibility (low effect size). The findings strongly suggest that the severity of trauma symptoms impact more on delayed than immediate suggestibility. The theoretical and forensic implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tragic collective events bring about long-term consequences for affected groups. These effects not only affect the immediate victims of trauma, but can also influence subsequent generations. In the present research, we examined the effects of minority language use on historical trauma. In a study of 237 Lemko participants, members of a severely victimized ethnic minority in Poland, we tested the effects of cognitive availability of historical trauma on three categories of trauma-related symptoms: emotional, behavioral, and depressive. The study found that minority language use is positively related to cognitive availability of trauma, but it also limits the effects of such availability on trauma-related symptoms. Based on this finding, we discuss the potential of minority language use to act as a social cure protecting from the negative psychological consequences of historical trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Out of home placement (OOHP) of welfare involved children is a critical problem associated with child abuse and neglect and household dysfunction. Few studies have also implicated greater instability in OOHP with more negative outcomes. However, several gaps remain. Objectives: Objectives were twofold. To identify combinations of adverse childhood experiences that are associated with OOHP—based on both duration of OOHP and change in actual placement during each time point, among welfare involved youth. The second objective was to understand long-term negative outcomes during adolescence that are associated with greater placement instability. Method: Data come from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Wellbeing (n = 1657). Multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate adverse childhood experiences that were associated with specific patterns of OOHP. Multivariate regression models were estimated to evaluate delinquency, aggression as well as depressive and trauma symptoms during adolescence that were associated with specific patterns of OOHP. Results: There were six categories of OOHP found in the sample: (1) no OOHP, (2) OOHP one time, (3) OOHP two times, (4) OOHP two times with change in placements, (5) OOHP three times, and (6) OOHP three times with change in placement. Longer duration of OOHP was associated with more adversity exposure. Longer duration and more change in placement were associated with the most negative outcomes. Conclusion: Findings demonstrate the need for future testing of these findings in prevention trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a nationally representative sample of 791 youth, ages 8-17 at baseline, this study identified patterns over a 2-year period in specific forms of peer victimization and examined differences in the mental health consequences of those patterns. Findings show that, among the victimized, physical assault had relatively high persistence compared to other forms, while physical intimidation and emotional bullying had relatively high rates of desistence. Emotional bullying at T1 was associated with increased risk of T2 Internet harassment and Internet harassment at T1 strongly predicted T2 dating violence. Patterns of victimization over time differed in their relationship with trauma symptoms. Findings emphasized the importance of recency and the distress of new victimization experiences, rather than the chronicity or repetition of victimization. Understanding variations in peer victimization patterns and outcomes over time can help to inform interventions that better target sources of risk across adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the creation and implementation of a trauma support group intervention which combined aspects of the Seeking Safety model with an art therapy technique in an effort to reduce trauma-related symptoms in a population of refugees. A preliminary assessment was carried out to evaluate the potential effectiveness of the combined approach with trauma-exposed refugees. Based on facilitator notes from 8 sessions of two women’s refugee groups and one men’s group, three themes were identified: mandala creation enhanced the Seeking Safety content, language barriers impacted the potential for implementation, and the trauma support group was a means of personal growth for participants. Reports from facilitators and participants also suggested a reduction in trauma-related symptoms and an increase in participant use of safe coping skills as a result of group participation. While additional research is needed, these exploratory results suggest that this combined approach holds promise for positively impacting trauma symptoms in trauma-exposed refugees.

Abstract Twofold Role of a Minority Language in Historical Trauma: The Case of Lemko Minority in Poland Tragic collective events bring about long-term consequences for the affected groups. They not only affect the immediate victims of trauma, but can also influence subsequent generations. In the present research, we examined the effects of minority language use on historical trauma. In a study of 237 Lemko participants, members of a severely victimized ethnic minority in Poland, we tested the effects of cognitive availability of historical trauma on three categories of trauma-related symptoms: emotional, behavioral, and depressive. The study found that minority language use is positively related to cognitive availability of trauma, but it also limits the effects of such availability on trauma-related symptoms. Based on this finding, we discuss the potential of minority language use to act as a social cure protecting from the negative psychological consequences of historical trauma.

Background: Young children may be adversely impacted by separation from and loss of caregivers and other loved ones. Such experiences often co-occur with interpersonal violence, unpredictability and other traumas. Whether separation/loss has unique effects independent of those other adversities is not known. Objective: This study aimed to establish whether separation/loss is associated with trauma-related symptoms, psychiatric disorders, and functional impairment in 18- to 48-month-old children independent of other adversities. Methods: Data from a cross-sectional community and clinical cohort were analyzed. Recruitment occurred in pediatric primary care, mental health, and developmental services sites. Children (33% female) were heterogeneous in ethnic background (55% minority) and family socioeconomic status (40% living in poverty). Results: Separation/loss was common (30.9% single type, 15.0% multiple types) and frequent amongst violence-exposed children (84.4% of violence-exposed children had experienced separation/loss from a loved one). However, violence exposure was uncommon amongst children with separation/loss experiences (only 23.9% were violence-exposed). Separation/loss was significantly associated with symptoms of posttraumatic stress and reactive attachment, as well as impairment and psychiatric disorders in models that controlled for sociodemographic and contextual risks, including other traumas. Psychiatric disorders were approximately 2.5 times more likely in children who had experienced multiple separations/losses, after accounting for interpersonal violence which was also significant. Conclusion: Professionals working with young children, policy-makers and caregivers should be aware that an accumulation of caregiver separations/losses, irrespective of violence and other traumatic exposure, may have detrimental effects on young children especially in the context of prior separations/losses or disruptions in their lives.

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Young women living in urban contexts, particularly those with involvement in the foster care and juvenile justice systems, experience significant barriers to academic well-being as a result of childhood trauma. To date, little research has been done to evaluate evidence-based, trauma-informed educational interventions to improve outcomes among these students. This study used survey data from a multi-year trauma-informed teaching intervention to quantitatively measure the well-being of trauma-exposed girls in an urban, trauma-informed school setting. The study explored whether girls at a trauma-informed school demonstrated significant changes in trauma symptomatology and whether these changes varied by race/ethnicity. As hypothesized, participants experienced a statistically significant decrease in trauma symptoms over the observation period. However, there were no significant differences in trauma symptom change based on race/ethnicity. Policy and practice implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to create a reliable, quick and easy to administer screening measure of violence exposure and trauma for children from infancy through age 7. In a sample of 6,676 children, caregivers completing a 22-item screener reported nearly one out of five youth had been exposed as witness or victim to at least one kind of violence. For trauma, caregivers reported that their children had trouble going to sleep at least sometimes (15.83%), had cried or had a tantrum to exhaustion (15.61%) and had difficulty concentrating or focusing (15.55%). Analyses showed reliable internal consistency for violence exposure (.74) and trauma (.85) scales. Factor analyses revealed a single trauma factor and two violence exposure factors, witnessing and victimization. These data provide support for a brief screening measure for trauma and violence exposure in children from birth through age seven that can be administered by minimally trained staff in public systems and community-based agencies who can then refer children and families to necessary assessment and treatment services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Work on affective forecasting has provided support for the finding that people overestimate their predicted emotional reactions towards future life events. We extend past work by highlighting individual differences in affective forecasting. A sample of 368 undergraduate students differing in trauma experience and symptoms were asked to complete emotion regulation questionnaires and predict their emotions and reactions towards two hypothetical future negative life events (i.e. academic failure and cyberbullying). Using structural equation modelling, emotion dysregulation mediated the association between higher trauma experience and symptomatology and greater negative affective forecasts towards both hypothetical negative life events. The mediating role of emotion dysregulation suggests it can be a potential target for intervention, especially for those with a history of trauma. The present findings extend the research on individual differences in affective forecasting and expand our understanding of the role of emotion in shaping one's decision-making and outlook for the future. • Trauma experience and symptoms are associated with increased emotion dysregulation. • Emotion dysregulation is related with higher predicted negative affect. • Support for an indirect path from trauma to higher predicted negative affect [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a pooled data set of two waves of the National Surveys of Children's Exposure to Violence, this study investigates links between indicators of socioeconomic resources and lifetime exposure to two different forms of child neglect (physical and supervisory), examines how neglect is associated with the risk of other types of victimization, and estimates the impact of neglect on trauma symptoms. Findings suggest that physical neglect is directly linked to economic stressors, while low parental education is consequential for both physical and supervisory neglect. Both types of neglect also were strongly associated with risk of other maltreatment and most other forms of victimization. Physical neglect was particularly strongly related to sexual abuse and witnessing sibling abuse, while supervisory neglect was most strongly related to risk for sexual victimization by a nonfamily adult. Although neglect is significantly associated with trauma symptoms, poly-victims had, by far, the highest levels of trauma symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]